Reasons for Delayed Periods

What are Delayed Periods?

Menstrual cycles may last anywhere from 21 to 35 days; the average is 28 days. If a period does not begin within 7 days of the expected date, it is generally considered late with a regular menstrual cycle. Some occasional delays may happen and typically do not mean problems. However, multiple cycles or several missed periods should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Common Reasons for Delayed Periods

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of delayed periods. It is a hormonal imbalance where the ovaries release too many male hormones that stop them from ovulating.
• Pregnancy is a very common reason for missing a period among sexually active women. Once a fertilised egg implants itself into the wall of the uterus, hormones will be produced to stop ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Missing a period is usually one of the first signs of becoming pregnant. If you’re late for your period, either take a home pregnancy test or see a physician.
• The thyroid regulates metabolism, and it is a key factor in the menstrual cycle. Both hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormones) can lead to absent or irregular menstruation.
• Emotional and physical stress can greatly disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle. Stress produces cortisol, which may interfere with the hypothalamus that controls reproductive hormones. This can cause a woman to have delayed periods due to the hypothalamus disrupting the normal ovulation cycle.
• Women who exercise excessively, especially if they are not taking in enough calories, can experience delayed menstrual periods. If you exercise too much, your body will produce less estrogen, resulting in reduced ovulation. Nutrition balanced with exercise may also promote normal levels of reproductive hormones.
• Fluctuations in weight can also disrupt hormone balance, affecting menstrual flow. When women are underweight, oestrogen levels drop, which could interfere with the normal development of the ovaries; hence, there will be no ovulation, which causes absence of menstruation. Being overweight usually triggers excess oestrogen levels, which could upset ovulation. Maintaining a normal body weight could promote regular menstruation.
• Women aged 30-40 who find their menstrual cycle irregular are probably experiencing perimenopause. This is a transitional time for a woman's reproductive system as oestrogen changes in the body; the result is often irregular cycles until menopause, when menstruation completely ceases.
• If you use birth control methods, they could alter the timing of your period. When discontinuing the use of any hormonal birth control method, it can take several months for the menstrual cycle to return to normal.
• Many chronic conditions, such as liver disorders, celiac disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and kidney problems, can affect your menstrual cycle. If you manage these issues properly, your menstrual health also improves.
• Lactation can often lengthen the time until a woman resumes her menstrual cycle post-childbirth. When the frequency of breastfeeding declines, menstruation generally resumes in stages.
• Hormonal imbalances of oestrogen, progesterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or prolactin can delay ovulation. Your doctor may perform a blood test to determine whether you have any hormonal imbalance.

When to See a Doctor?

Contact your doctor if:

• You have not had a period in over three months (unless pregnant)
• You have had multiple late or missed periods.
• You have severe pelvic pain.
• You think that you might be pregnant, but your test comes back negative
• You are experiencing symptoms associated with either thyroid disease or polycystic ovary syndrome.
• You have abnormal discharge from your nipples.

Conclusion

Delayed periods are common and might occur for different reasons. If you experience one or two late periods, it's usually not something to worry about. But if you have many late periods in a row, along with other signs, you should consult a gynaecologist. Identifying the reason in time can get timely help and improve your fertility.